Furniture of the Lodge:
The furniture of the Lodge is as for a Craft Lodge
with the following differences and additions:
Master's Pedestal: V.S.L. with Mallet and Chisel (not
Square and Compass). Working Plan shewing Keystone.
Senior Warden's Pedestal: Two wickets (in vertical
position), each having a hole for the insertion of a hand, one distinguished
by a square and the other surrounded by a triangle. (No column, level,
tripod or perfect ashlar is to be placed on the pedestal.)
Junior Warden's Pedestal: An Axe, placed on top of
the pedestal. (No Column, plumb rule or rough ashlar is to be placed on
the pedestal.)
At each of these three pedestals is placed a large
candlestick, complete with candle (or an electric light, in lieu), which
must be lit after the Lodge has been opened of immediately beforehand.
Overseers: In the centre of the Lodge, in front of
each Overseer's chair, is placed a small pedestal, on which are laid a
mallet and a T-square for the Master Overseer, and a mallet and square
each for the Senior and Junior Overseers. There must also be a working
plan on each pedestal, of a square ashlar and of an oblong ashlar.
Inner Guard: A mallet and chisel are provided close
to the door for the use by the Inner Guard.
Wands are provided for use by the director of Ceremonies,
his Assistant (if any) and the two Deacons. (Deacons do not carry wands
when discharging non-ceremonial duties.)
Tracing Board of Mark Pattern is located in front
of the Junior Warden's pedestal.
Mark Token, or a coin of the realm in lieu, is placed
on the pedestal of the Senior Warden for the payment of wages for each candidate.
Mark Apron and Jewel for each candidate are placed
on the pedestal of the Senior Warden.
Kneeling Stools: Two are required; one is located
in front of the Master's pedestal, the other in the West, but not in front
of the pedestal of the Senior Warden.
Stones and Working Aprons: A square ashlar, a oblong
ashlar and a keystone must be provided outside the door of the Lodge, together
with three large working aprons.
Marks: A choice of two or three marks for each candidate
must be prepared in advance and located at the Secretary's table for either
the Registrar of Marks of the Secretary to show the candidate; each mark
must be constructed by straight lines but must not incorporate a triangle.
Craft Apron: The candidate must wear a Master Mason's
Apron; one should always be provided in the Ante-Room, in case the candidate
does not bring his own.

General Points of Procedure
In Mark Masonry the Lodge is not squared as is done
in most Craft rituals; all movements should be made as directly as practicable
from point to point.
Working plans for the Overseers are placed on their
pedestals when the Lodge is set prior to the Opening; immediately prior
to the Closing, these plans are collected by the Senior Deacon and deposited
on the pedestal of the Senior Warden.
Certain portions of the Ritual are meant to be symbolic
only - in particular, the heaving-over of the Keystone and the search for
and recovery of it by the candidate. It is contrary to the instructions
laid down in the Rubric to add embellishments designed to confuse or embarrass
the candidate.
The Lecture on the Mark Master Mason's Degree and
the Lecture on the Tracing Board should be given in full as often as practicable.
Reports (other than those given for a candidate) are
dealt with as follows:
T. knocks on the door.I.G. rises, gives Sn.M.,
then stands to order with H.Sn.: Bro. J.W., there is a report.
Gives the third part of first sign and discharges it.J.W. remains seated, looks
for an affirmative nod from the W.M., then gavels once.I.G. goes to and opens door
and addresses Tyler: Whom have you there?
T.: Bro. …
I.G.: Wait while
I report to the W.M. Closes door and returns to
his station. Gives Sn.M., then stands to order with H.Sn: W.M.,
Bro. … seeks admission.
W.M.: Admit him, Bro. I.G.
I.G. gives third part of
first sign and discharges it, goes to the door and admits Bro. …, who proceeds
to the North side of the S.W.'s pedestal, gives Sn. M., then the H. Sn.,
and explains his presence. I.G. closes door and returns to his station.

Where more than one candidate is to be advanced at
any one ceremony, it is strongly recommended that each candidate should
be taken separately for certain portions of the Ceremony - in particular
for the examination of materials, for the rejection of the Keystone and
for the payment of wages and the discovery of the impostor.

Form of Opening a Lodge of Mark Master Masons

An Opening Hymn may be sung before the
Lodge is opened.W.M. seated, gavels once, repeated by S.W.
and J.W.: Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge.
All rise.W.M. to J.W.: Brother …, what
is the first care of every Mark Master Mason?
J.W. (no sign): To see that
the Lodge is properly tyled.
W.M.: Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. to I.G.: Brother …, see
that the Lodge is properly tyled.
I.G. goes to the door, opens it and sees
that the Tyler is present; he closes door and returns to his station. I.G.
to J.W.: Brother …, the Lodge is properly tyled.
W.M. to S.W.: Brother …, what
is the next care?
S.W. (no sign): To see that
none but Mark Master Masons are present.
W.M.: To order, Brethren, as
Mark Master Masons.
All give Sign Manual, then stand to order
with Hailing Sign.W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
how many principal officers are there in the Lodge?
J.W.: Six: namely the Worshipful
Master, the Senior and Junior Wardens and the Master, Senior and Junior
Overseers.
W.M.: Brother Junior Overseer:
J.O. moves clockwise to the S. side of the pedestal
and turns to the East. Where is your situation in the Lodge?
J.O.: At the South Gate.
W.M.: Your duty?
J.O.: To guard that gate; to
examine all materials for the building of the Holy Temple and, if approved,
to pass them to the Senior Overseer for further inspection.
J.O. returns clockwise to his station.W.M.: Brother Senior Overseer:
S.O. moves clockwise to the N. side of his pedestal and turns to the East.
Your situation in the Lodge?
S.O.: At the West Gate.
W.M.: Your duty?
S.O.: To guard that gate; to
examine all materials for the building of the Holy Temple sent to me from
the Junior Overseer and, if approved, to pass them to the Master Overseer
for final approval or rejection. S.O. returns
directly to his station.W.M.: Brother Master Overseer:
M.O. remains standing in his place.
Your situation in the Lodge?
M.O.: At the East Gate.
W.M.: Your duty?
M.O.: To guard that gate; to
examine all materials for the building of the Holy Temple sent to me from
the Junior and Senior Overseers, and in any case of doubt or difficulty
to call a Council of my Brother Overseers.
W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
your situation in the Lodge?
J.W.: In the South.
W.M.: Why are you placed there?
J.W.: To mark the sun at its
meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment, that profit
and pleasure may be the result; likewise to beware of and to punish impostors.
W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
your situation?
S.W.: In the West.
W.M.: Why are you placed there?
S.W.: To mark the setting sun;
to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, after having paid
the Mark Masters their wages, if any be due, and having deposited the working
plans in a place of safety.
W.M.: Worthy and Worshipful
Pas Master, where is the Master's place?
P.M.: In the East.
W.M.: Why is he placed there?
P.M.: As the sun rises in the
East to open and enlighten the day, so is the Worshipful Master placed
in the East to open the Lodge and to employ and instruct the Brethren in
Mark Masonry.
W.M.: The Lodge being duly formed,
before I declare it open, I will call upon the Chaplain to give us the
benefit of prayer.
Chaplain: Brethren, let us invoke
the blessing of the Great Overseer of the Universe. May He deign to keep
us in all our undertakings and grant that, marking well His holy commandments,
we may glorify Him in all our work so that, when He shall come to reckon
with us, we may obtain our reward.
Omnes: So mote it be.
W.M.: In the name of Adoniram
I declare the Lodge duly open All give the third
part of first sign and discharge it for the instruction and
improvement of Mark Master Masons.
Master gavels * * **, which is repeated
by S.W., J.W., I.G., and Tyler; J.D. adjusts Tracing Board; Past Master
goes to front of pedestal, opens V.S.L., places Working Tools thereon,
so that Chisel lies South to North and Mallet lies over it East to West;
P.M. salutes W.M. with the threefold first sign (Sign Manual, Hailing Sign
and third part of the sign) and returns to his place.W.M.: Be seated, Brethren.

Ceremony of Advancement

The materials for the building of the Holy
Temple (two ashlars and Keystone), a M.M.'s apron (for Cand.) and three
working aprons must be available outside the Lodge; a kneeling stool must
be available in the West; it should not be placed in front of the Senior
Warden's pedestal.Tyler gives F.C. knocks on door.I.G., rises, gives Sn. M. and then stands
to order with H. Sn.: Brother Junior Warden, there is an alarm.
Gives third part of first sign and discharges
of it.J.W. gavels once, rises, gives Sn. M. and
stands to order with H. Sn.: Worshipful Master, there is an
alarm.
W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
inquire who wants admission.
J.W. gives third part of first sign, discharges
it and sits: Brother Inner Guard, see who wants admission.
I.G. goes to and opens door and addresses
Tyler: Whom have you there?
T.: Brother …, who has served
his time as an Entered Apprentice, worked in the quarries as a Fellow Craft
and is now desirous of becoming a Mark Master Mason to qualify him to preside
over a Lodge of Operative Masons.
I.G.: How does he hope to obtain
that privilege?
T.: By the help of the Great
Overseer of the Universe and the benefit of the pass-grip and the pass-word.
I.G.: Is he in possession of
the pass-grip and pass-word?
T.: He is not, but I will give
them on his behalf. T. gives pass-grip to I.G.
and communicates pass-word.I.G.: Wait while I report to
the Worshipful Master. I.G. closes door and returns
to his station; gives Sn. M. and then stands to order with H. Sn.:
Worshipful Master, Brother …, who has served his time as an Entered Apprentice,
worked in the quarries as a Fellow Craft and is now desirous of becoming
a Mark Master Mason to qualify him to preside over a Lodge of Operative Masons.
W.M.: How does he hope to obtain
that privilege?
I.G.: By the help of the Great
Overseer of the Universe and the benefit of the p.g. and the p.w.
W.M.: Is he in possession of
the p.g. and the p.w.?
I.G.: He is not, Worshipful
Master, but his conductor has given them to me on his behalf.
W.M.: Advance and communicate
them to me.
I.G. gives third part of the first sign
and discharges it, advances directly to the front of W.M.'s pedestal, gives
p.g. to W.M. and communicates p.w. aloud.W.M.: The pass is correct
W.M. and I.G. disengage the p.g.; W.M.
sits. I.G. returns directly to his station and faces East, gives Sn. M.
and then stands to order with H.Sn.W.M.: First assuring yourself
that he has signed the required declaration, admit him in due form and
take heed on what he enters Brother Deacons.
I.G. gives third part of first sign and
discharges it, goes to door, opens it and audibly ascertains from Tyler
that declaration has been signed. Deacons rise and proceed directly to
the door. The Candidate, wearing a Master Mason's apron, is introduced
between the two Deacons; I.G. closes door and steps aside; the Can. Is
placed immediately in front of the closed door, flanked by the Deacons,
S.D. on Can.'s right, J.D. on his left, I.G. picks up M. and C. and stands
facing Can.I.G.: Brother …, on your Initiation
into freemasonry you were admitted on the point of a sharp instrument presented
to your naked left breast; in the Second Degree on the square; you are
now admitted on the Mallet and Chisel.
I.G. applies C. to Can.'s left breast and
strikes it with the M. of a F.C., saying: Enter on the edge
of the Chisel.
Can. is then conducted by the Deacons to
the North side of the S.W.'s pedestal, all facing East. I.G. returns to
his station and sits.W.M.: Brother …, since the building
of King Solomon's Temple and the institution of the Degree of Mark Master
Mason as now practised, a regulation has been enacted that no one shall
be advanced to the Degree you now seek unless he shall have been previously
raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. Have you attained that high honour?
Can.: I have. S.D.
will prompt if necessary.W.M.: Give the proofs, to enable
you to do which the Senior Deacon will now conduct you round the Lodge.
S.D. perambulates the Lodge with Can. without
squaring: J.D. remains in the North-West and places kneeling stool in position.
S.D. conducts Can. past W.M. without saluting; both halt in the South slightly
to the East of J.W.'s pedestal, facing West.S.D.: Salute the Junior Warden
as an Entered Apprentice.
Can. alone takes step and salutes in the
First Degree; J.W. gavels * * *. D.D. conducts Can. to the West, where
they halt slightly to the South of S.W.'s pedestal, facing North.S.D.: Salute the Senior Warden
as a Fellow Craft. Can. alone takes step and salutes
in the Second Degree; S.W. gavels * **. S.D. conducts Can. to the North
of S.W.'s pedestal; they both halt facing East about one pace West of the
kneeling stool; J.D. takes post on left of Can.S.D.: Salute the Worshipful
Master as a Master Mason with the full Signs of that Degree.
Can. alone takes step and salutes in the Third Degree; W.M. gavels ** *.W.M.: Do you seriously declare
on your honour that you will steadily persevere through the Ceremony of
Advancement to the honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason and that you
will conceal whatever may be made known to you prior to your obligation?
Can.: I do.
W.M.: Thus assured, I will thank
you to kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.
W.M. gavels once, repeated by S.W. and
J.W.: all rise and stand with right hand on heart during the prayer; S.D.
instructs Can. to kneel and place right hand on heart; Deacons cross wands.Chap.: May the Great Overseer
of the Universe pour down on this convocation the continual dew of His
blessing, and whether we be stationed on the plains of Zaradatha of in
the forests of Lebanon, whether employed on the rough ashlar or in putting
the key stone of a mystic arch, may He be with his faithful workmen; and
when called off from labours here, may we be found worthy to receive the
wages promised to those who work diligently in His Holy Temple.
Omnes: So mote it be.
Deacons lower wands; all drop right hands.W.M.: Let the Candidate rise.
Can. rises; all sit except Deacons and
Can.; J.D. removes kneeling stool, which should not be placed in front
of S.W.'s pedestal.W.M.: In former times it was
custom in all Fellow Craft Lodges for each Fellow Craft to choose a mark
by which his work might be known to his Overseer, the mark selected
being one not previously chosen by a brother of the same Lodge, and the
Triangle always excepted, that being the Mark Master's mark of approval.
He was at the same time taught how to present his mark at the Senior Warden's
wicket to receive his wages as a Mark Man. When you were passed to the
Degree of Fellow Craft, was such a mark chosen by you?
Can., prompted by S.D.: It was
not, Worshipful Master.
W.M.: Then the Senior Deacon
will conduct you to the Registrar's table where that want shall be supplied.
S.D. conducts Can. to the Registrar of
Marks in the North; J.D. returns directly to his station and sits.R. of M. seated: It is my duty
to inform you that a copy of whatever mark may be chosen by you will be
inserted in the Register of this Lodge; it will then be returned for registration
in the books of Grand Lodge and cannot afterwards be changed.
R. of M. proffers tow or three marks for
Can. to choose from; after Can. has selected one as his mark, S.D. examines
it; S.D. and Can. then turn to face East.S.D. with F.C. Sn.: Worshipful
Master, the mark which our Brother has selected is aptly chosen and clearly
defined.
W.M.: Let me see it.
S.D. discharges F.C. Sn. and conducts Can.
directly to the front of W.M.'s pedestal; Can., prompted by S.D., presents
his mark to W.M., who takes and examines it.W.M.: Brother …, I admire the
ability displayed in the execution of your work. Such ingenuity deserves
encouragement.
W.M. stands and picks up from V.S.L. the
Mallet in his right hand and the Chisel in his left hand; he indents a
triangle round the Can.'s mark with the knocks of a F.C. on each of the
three sides; he then replaces Mallet and Chisel on V.S.L.W.M.: I therefore designate
you as a Mark Man. W.M. places mark in Can.'s
left hand. And I will at once proceed to entrust you with the
token of that rank. Put forth your right hand outstretched with your palm
upwards and open. W.M. demonstrates, Can. copies.
Place the mark in the palm of your right hand and cover it with the ball
of the thumb. Can complies. So present
your mark at the Senior Warden's wicket, and receive the wages due to patient
industry and merit.
W.M. sits. S.D. conducts Can. via the South
to the West, where both halt in front of and facing S.W.; S.D. gives knocks
of F.C. on floor with his wand.S.W.: Who have you there?
S.D. with the F.C. Sn.: Brother
…, a trusty Mark man who has worked well and worthily six days or less
at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and now comes by command of the
Worshipful Master to receive the wages due to patient industry and merit.
S.W.: How shall I know him to
be entitled to receive them?
S.D.: By the Sn. M. which he
now offers.
S.D. discharges F.C. Sn.; Can., prompted
by S.D., gives Sn. M. to S.W. by placing his right hand with his mark through
the wicket distinguished by the square.S.W. rises: I acknowledge the
correctness of the Sn. and have pleasure in presenting you with the tribute
awarded. S.W. places token in Can.'s right hand.
Use it as not abusing it, and go on your way rejoicing.
S.D. instructs Can. to put mark and token
into a pocket; he then conducts him to the North side of S.W. pedestal;
J.D. rises and follows them; S.D. turns Can. to face East and places Can.'s
right hand in left hand of S.W.; the Deacons take position on the left
of Can., S.D. nearest to him, all facing East.S.W. holding Can.'s right hand and with
Sn. of F.: Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother …, who,
having served his time as a Fellow Craft, has been admitted a Mark Man
and is qualified for advancement to the honourable Degree of Mark Master
Mason, of which he is desirous that he may be enabled to preside over a
Lodge of Operative Masons.
W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose you will direct
the Senior Deacon to instruct the Candidate to advance to the pedestal
in due form.
S.W. discharges Sn. of F.; S.D. moves behind
Can. and takes his right hand from S.W. who sits; S.D. moves Can. gently
to the North and stands beside him on his right, with J.D. on his left.S.W.: Brother Senior Deacon,
it is the Worshipful Master's command that you instruct the Candidate to
advance to the pedestal in due form.
S.D. conducts Can. to the North-East where
they both halt and face South; J.D. follows, passes behind Can., halts
on his left and faces South; S.D. moves out to a position to the East of
the M.O.'s pedestal and faces Can.S.D.: The method of advancing
to the East is by nine steps: five as in the Fellow Craft Degree as if
ascending a winding staircase; and four as in the Entered Apprentice Degree,
save that the first two are long and slow and the last two short and quick.
For your instruction I will go through them and you will afterwards copy
my example.
S.D. returns to right side of Can. and
faces South.S.D.: Left foot across the Lodge,
right foot down the Lodge; stepping off with the left foot. S.D.
demonstrates first five steps, finishing with his left foot pointing East
and with his right foot pointing South, saying: Two long and
slow; two short and quick.
S.D. returns to position in front of M.O.'s
pedestal, faces Can. and says: Left foot across the Lodge; right
foot down the Lodge. Can. complies.
Step off with the left foot.
Can. takes first five steps; S.D. takes
position on right of Can. with left foot pointing East and right foot pointing
South. Finishing with the feet in this position.
S.D. ensures that Can. has feet in same
position; J.D. takes position on left of Can. with his feet in the same
position; Can. and both Deacons then take last five steps together, S.D.
saying as they do so: Two long and slow; two short and quick.
All three finish close in front of W.M.'s
pedestal.W.M.: As in every degree the
secrets of Freemasonry are to be kept separate and distinct, an obligation
similar in many respects to those in the former degrees will now be required
of you. Are you prepared to take it?
Can.: I am.
W.M.: Then you will kneel on
both knees; place both hands on the V.S.L.
Can. complies; W.M. gavels once, repeated
by S.W. and J.W.; all rise and stand to order with Sn. of F.; Deacons cross
wands.W.M.: State your name at length
and repeat after me: I, …, in the presence of the Great Overseer of the
Universe and of this worthy, worshipful and regularly constituted Lodge
of Mark Master masons, do hereby and hereon sincerely and solemnly swear
that I will never divulge any of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging
to the degree of Mark Master Mason to anyone in the world unless it be
to a true and regularly advanced brother who, I shall have sufficient reason
to believe, has come by them in as legal a manner as I am about to do;
or in a body of a regularly constituted and warranted Lodge of Mark Master
Masons consisting of three or more: that I will not unjustly use any brother's
mark, but will receive it when presented to me, and grant his request if
just and within my power, the same not being detrimental to myself or my
connections. But I shall not feel myself bound again to relieve him until
he shall have redeemed his mark from his former obligation.
All these points I solemnly engage to observe, so help me the Great
Overseer of the Universe and keep me steadfast in this my solemn obligation
of a Mark Master Mason.
W.M.: As a pledge of your fidelity
and to render this a solemn obligation you will seal it with your lips
four times on the V.S.L..
Can. complies; all discharge Sn. of F.
and remain standing; Deacons lower wands. W.M. taking can. by right hand
with the pass-grip, which is given by engaging the bent fingers of a brother's
right hand and inserting the thumbs in the form of a cramp, form the V.S.L.,
saying: Rise, duly obligated Mark Master Mason.
All sit, except Deacons and Can.W.M.: For the better elucidation
of the secrets of this Degree it is necessary that you should proceed to
the quarries and re-enter the Lodge as a Mark man under the guidance of
the Senior Deacon.
Deacons conduct Can. via South to the West
and halt to North of S.W.'s pedestal, Can. between the Deacons, all facing
East.S.D.: Salute the Worshipful
Master as a Fellow Craft.
Deacons and Can. take step together and
salute as F.C.'s.; Deacons conduct Can. to door and he retires; Deacons
remove collars and leave them, with their wands, within the entrance to
the Lodge; Deacons do not remove Mark aprons; they retire.Outside the door, M.M.'s apron is removed
from Can.; Deacons and Can. put on working aprons; J.D. picks up the oblong
ashlar, S.D. the square ashlar and Can. the Key Stone; Tyler gives F.C.
knocks on door.I.G. rises, with F.C. Sn.: Brother
Junior Warden, there is a report. I.G. discharges
F.C. Sn.J.W. gavels * ** and rises, with F.C. Sn.:
Worshipful Master, there is a report.
W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
inquire who wants admission.
J.W. discharges F.C. Sn. and sits:
Brother Inner Guard, see who wants admission.
I.G. goes to and opens door:
Whom have you there?
Tyler: Workmen from the quarries
with materials for the building of the Holy Temple which they are anxious
to submit for approval.
I.G.: Wait while I report to
the Worshipful Master. I.G. closes door and returns
to his station; with F.C. Sn.: Worshipful Master, workmen from
the quarries with materials for the building of the Holy Temple which they
are anxious to submit for approval.
W.M.: Let them be admitted that
they may submit their materials for examination by the Overseers.
I.G. discharges F.C. Sn., goes to and opens
door. Deacons and Can. enter, J.D. leading, followed by S.D. and Can.;
in that order they proceed around the Lodge (without squaring), without
saluting the W.M., to the South. All halt facing J.O.'s pedestal, on which
S.D. gives F.C. knocks with knuckles of right hand.J.O.: Whom have you there?
S.D.: Workmen from the quarries
with materials for the building of the Holy Temple which they are anxious
to submit for your inspection.
J.O.: I will examine them with pleasure.
J.D. hands oblong ashlar to J.O., who strikes
the ashlar with F.C. knocks with the mallet, turns it over to examine the
finish, then tries it with the square on three faces; being satisfied,
he continues to hold it and says: This is fair work and square,
such as is required for the building, and such as I am ordered to receive.
J.O. hands ashlar back to J.D.J.D.: Will you give me the pass-word?
J.O.: I will, so that you may
pass to the West gate.
J.O. whispers pass-word (Joppa) into J.D.'s
right ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.S.D. hands square ashlar to J.O., who tests
and examines it as before; being satisfied, he continues to hold it.J.O.: This is fair work and
square, such as is required for the building, and such as I am ordered
to receive. J.O. hands ashlar back to S.D.S.D.: Will you give me the pass-word?
J.O. whispers pass-word into S.D.'s right
ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.Can., prompted by S.D., hands K.S. to J.O.,
who looks at it and, seeing that it is not square, does not strike it with
the mallet, does not examine it further, or try with the square; he continues
to hold it.J.O.: This is a curiously wrought
stone, neither square nor oblong. I cannot receive it.
J.O. hands K.S. back to Can.Can., prompted by S.D.: Will
you give me the pass-word?
J.O.: I cannot, your work not
being in accordance with my plans
J.D. leads the way to the West; all halt
facing S.O.'s pedestal, on which S.D. gives F.C. knocks with knuckles of
right hand.S.O.: Whom have you there?
S.D.: Workmen from the quarries
with materials for the building of the Holy Temple which they are anxious
to submit for your inspection.
S.O.: I will examine them with pleasure.
J.D. hands oblong ashlar to S.O., who strikes
it with F.C. knocks with the mallet, turns it over to examine the finish,
then tries it with the square on three faces, being satisfied, he then
places it on his pedestal, keeping his right hand on it.S.O.: This is fair work and
square, such as is required for the building and such as I am ordered to
receive. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior Overseer at
the South gate.
J.D. whispers pass-word into S.O.'s right
ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.S.O. hands ashlar back to J.D.:
Pass to the East gate.
S.D. hands square ashlar to S.O., who tests
it and examines it as before; being satisfied, he then places it on his
pedestal, keeping his right hand on it.S.O.: This is fair work and
square, such as is required for the building and such as I am ordered to
receive. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior Overseer at
the South gate.
S.D. whispers pass-word into S.O.'s right
ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.S.O. hands ashlar back to S.D.:
Pass to the East gate.
Can., prompted by S.D. hands K.S. to S.O.,
who looks at it and, seeing that it is not square, does not strike it with
the mallet, does not examine it further, or try it with the square; he
continues to hold it.S.O.: This is a curiously wrought
stone, neither square nor oblong, nor such in any respect as my instructions
will enable me to pass. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior
Overseer at the South gate.
Can., prompted by S.D.: He declined
to give it to me, informing me that my work was not in accordance with
his plans.
S.O.: Neither can I give you
the pass-word at the West gate. You may, however, if you like, submit your
work to the Master Overseer for, although it is not in accordance with
my plans, yet from the masterly skill displayed in its execution, I am
unwilling to reject it on my own responsibility; or you can return to the
quarries and there prepare other evidence of your ability.
S.O. hands K.S. back to Can.S.D. quietly suggest to Can. that he should
proceed to M.O.; then J.D. leads via North to East; all halt facing M.O.'s
pedestal, on which S.D. gives F.C. knocks with knuckles of right hand.M.O.: Whom have you there?
S.D.: Workmen from the quarries
with materials for the building of the Holy Temple which they are anxious
to submit for your inspection.
M.O.: I will examine them with pleasure.
J.D. hands oblong ashlar to M.O., who strikes
it with F.C. knocks with the mallet, turns it over to examine the finish,
then tries it with the T-square on three faces, being satisfied, he then
places it on his pedestal, keeping his right hand on it.M.O.: This is fair work and
square, such as is required for the building and such as I am ordered to
receive. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior Overseer at
the South gate.
J.D. whispers pass-word into M.O.'s right
ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.M.O.: Your work is approved
and shall be passed on to the builders.
M.O. places ashlar on floor at right side
of his pedestalS.D. hands square ashlar to M.O., who tests
it and examines it as before; being satisfied, he then places it on his
pedestal, keeping his right hand on it.M.O.: This is fair work and
square, such as is required for the building and such as I am ordered to
receive. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior Overseer at
the South gate.
S.D. whispers pass-word into M.O.'s right
ear, ensuring that Can. does not hear.M.O.: Your work is approved
and shall be passed on to the builders.
M.O. places ashlar on floor at left side
of his pedestalCan., prompted by S.D. hands K.S. to M.O.,
who looks at it and, seeing that it is not square, does not strike it with
the mallet, does not examine it further, or try it with the T-square; he
continues to hold it.M.O.: This is a curiously wrought
stone, neither square nor oblong, nor such in any respect as my instructions
will enable me to pass. Give me the pass-word you received from the Junior
Overseer at the South gate.
Can., prompted by S.D.: I cannot;
he declined to give it to me.
M.O.: And yet you have presumed
to make your way to the East gate to present yourself to me! Stand aside
while I call a council of my Brother Overseers.
Deacons and Can. move backwards to the
North-East part of the Lodge and face S.; M.O. places K.S. on pedestal
and knocks once with mallet. J.O. leaves his pedestal by the left side
and moves directly (without squaring) to the South side of M.O.; S.O. leaves
his pedestal by the left side, moves round it to the North side and proceeds
directly (without squaring) to the North side of M.O.; both face inwards;
no signs are given.M.O., seated: Brother Overseers,
when we were selected by the Worshipful Master to aid in the work confided
in his care, the charge of the three gates was entrusted to us with ample
instructions as to our several duties. Notwithstanding these instructions,
you have allowed this stone to pass your respective gates, although it
in no way answers to our plans or descriptions. I am bound therefore not
only to reject it but to demand an explanation of this neglect of your
duties and your reason for allowing this stone to pass your inspection.
M.O. picks up K.S. and hands it to J.O.J.O. holding K.S. in front of him:
I admit that I did allow this stone to be submitted at the South gate but,
before permitting the Craftsman to enter, I informed him that the work
was not such as I could receive. From the skill displayed in its execution,
however, and from its beauty and workmanship I felt unwilling to reject
it on my own responsibility and allowed him to proceed to the West gate,
but I did not give him the pass-word.
J.O. hands K.S. back to M.O.M.O. hands K.S. to S.O.S.O. holding K.S. in front of him:
Prompted by feelings similar to those which actuated my Brother Junior
Overseer, and not being willing to undertake the responsibility of rejecting
the stone, I left the Craftsman free either to return to the quarries or
to pass to the East gate if willing to incur the risk, but refused to give
him the pass-word to which his work did not entitle him.
S.O. hands K.S. back to M.O.M.O. places K.S. on pedestal in front of
him: Brother Overseers, I accept your explanation as some excuse
for what I had regarded as a neglect of your Masonic duty; but, the orders
of our Grand Master being peremptory to receive only such stones for the
building of the Holy Temple as are either square or oblong and marked and
numbered by a regular Mark Master Mason, we have no option but to condemn
and reject the stone as unavailable for the work. You will therefore cause
it to be heaved over among the rubbish.
M.O. picks up the K.S. and hands it to
S.O. and J.O., who, carrying it between them, move to the Deacons in the
North-East and hand it over to them. S.D. invites Can. to watch what ensues.Deacons, after swaying it backwards and
forwards three times, heave the K.S. over and deposit under the S.D.'s
chair, where it is to remain until subsequently found by the Can.; S.O.
and J.O. watch the operation, and then return to stand on either side of
M.O., facing East. S.D. moves to the right of Can.; all turn West; S.D.
leads all three in front of M.O.'s pedestal, where they turn to face West.M.O., addressing Can.: Your
work is rejected.
Deacons and Can. turn to South and S.D.
leads the way to three reserved seats in the South-East where they all
sit; S.O. and J.O. return directly to their stations and sit.After a short pause, S.W. gavels once and
rises, with F.C. Sn.S.W.: Worshipful Master, it
is the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week, and the craftsmen are impatient
to receive their wages. S.W. discharges F.C. Sn.
and sits.W.M.: Brother Deacons: (both
Deacons rise) you have my command to assemble the craftsmen
and march them in procession to the wickets of the Senior Warden to receive
their wages. Brother Junior Warden: (J.W. rises)
do you proceed to discharge your special duty.
J.W. picks up the axe and moves directly
to the North side of the S.W.'s pedestal, where he stands facing South,
the axe resting on his right shoulder, blade upwards. J.D. moves directly
to the North East to head the column; a suitable number of bRethren leave
their seats and form line in the North, facing South; depending upon the
size of the Lodge room, the number of such Brethren should be between six
and ten; the Overseers should not leave their stations. When all are in
position, S.D. leads Can. via South and West to complete the column in
the North, with Can. on his right.J.D. leads the column via East and South
to the S.W.'s wicket, where each Brother presents Sn. M. of a Mark Master
at the wicket surrounded by the Triangle; S.W. stands and touches right
hand of each Brother in token of payment. J.D. leads procession on and
re-forms column in the North, where Brethren remain standing, facing South.S.D. prompts Can. to present right hand
with Sn. M. of a Mark Man at the wicket surrounded by the Triangle; S.W.
immediately seizes hand of Can.S.W.: An impostor! An impostor!
Off with his hand!
J.W. raises axe preparatory to inflicting
the ancient punishment. S.D. seizes hold of haft of axe near blade with
right hand, right arm outstretched, to prevent strike.S.D. to S.W.: Spare him! Spare
him! He is not an impostor! I vouch for him as a Mark Man, having worked
with him in the quarries.
S.W.: I denounce him as an impostor,
having attempted to obtain the wages of a Mark Master, without giving the
token. The ancient punishment must be inflicted.
S.D. maintains hold on haft of axe; J.W.
makes no further attempt to strike.S.D. to S.W.: If you will confide
him to my care, I will take him before the Worshipful Master when, if he
decides that the ancient punishment must be inflicted, I pledge myself
to see it duly executed.
S.W.: On those conditions I
release him.
S.W. releases hold of Can.'s hand, who
withdraws it from the wicket; S.D. releases hold on haft of axe; J.W. lowers
axe on to right shoulder, blade downwards. S.W. sits. S.D. conducts Can.
at quick pace via North directly to front of W.M.'s pedestal.S.D., with F.C. Sn.: Worshipful
Master, this Craftsman has been denounced as an impostor, having attempted
to obtain the wages of a Mark Master, being entitled only to those of a
Mark Man. S.D. discharges F.C. Sn.W.M. to Can.: Are you a Mark
Man?
Can., prompted by S.D.: I am.
W.M.: I demand the proof.
Can., prompted by S.D., shows Sn. M. of
Mark Man.W.M.: Whilst acknowledging you
as a Mark Man, I cannot too strongly express my indignation that you should
have attempted to obtain the wages of a Mark Master without being justly
entitled to them. S.D. prompts Can. to drop Sn.
M. Such conduct merits the ancient punishment of having the
right hand struck off and being debarred from all further privileges in
Masonry. However, as your fault appears to have been the result of ignorance,
and not of any wilful intention to defraud, I now order you to return to
the quarries, where I hope that you will be able to prepare some work which,
when submitted for inspection, will be received, approved and entitle you
to share the privileges of this honourable Degree.
S.D. leads Can. to former place in South-East and both remain standing.W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
resume your station.
J.W. moves directly to his Chair, places
axe on pedestal and sits.W.M.: Be seated, Brethren.
J.D. and Brethren leave column in North
and move directly to their seats; J.D. returns to former seat in South-East.
All sit.After a short pause, S.W. gavels once and
rises, with F.C. Sn.: Worshipful Master, the work is at a standstill.
W.M.: On what account?
S.W.: For want of a Key Stone
for the sacred arch of King Solomon's Temple. S.W.
discharges F.C. Sn. and sits.W.M.: I will remember issuing
the design for such a stone.
W.M. searches for and picks plan from his
pedestal; he displays it: Here is a copy, Brother Junior Overseer.
J.O. leaves his pedestal by the left side,
advances directly to the East, halts in front of W.M.'s pedestal, takes
step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it.W.M. hands plan to J.O.: Have
you seen such a stone?
J.O. examines plan: Such a stone
was brought to me for examination, but not being in accordance with my
plans, I passed it to the Senior Overseer. J.O.
returns plan to W.M.; he takes step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it;
he returns directly to the West side of his pedestal and resumes his seat.W.M.: Brother Senior Overseer.
S.O. leaves his pedestal by the left side,
proceeds via the South directly to the East, halts in front of W.M.'s pedestal,
takes step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it.W.M. hands plan to S.O.: What
did you do with it?
S.O. examines plan: It not being
in accordance with my plans, or the instructions I had received, but possessing
considerable beauty of workmanship, I passed it to the Master Overseer
for final approval or rejection. S.O. returns
plan to W.M.; he takes step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it; he returns
directly via North to his pedestal and resumes his seat.W.M.: Brother Master Overseer.
M.O. leaves pedestal by the left side,
advances directly to the East, halts in front of W.M.'s pedestal, takes
step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it.W.M. hands plan to M.O.: Do
you remember such a stone submitted to you?
M.O. examines plan: I do Worshipful
Master, but seeing that it was neither square nor oblong, nor in any way
answering to my plans nor to the instructions I had received, I ordered
ot to be heaved over among the rubbish, which was accordingly done. M.O.
returns plan to W.M.; he takes step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges it;
he returns directly to the South side of his pedestal and resumes his seat.W.M. displaying plan: Let diligent
search be made for it. It is the most important stone in the building.
Richly rewarded shall he be who succeeds in finding it.
W.M. replaces plan on pedestal.Deacons and Can. rise and proceed directly
to the North-East; Can is prompted by S.D. to search for, discover and
pick up K.S.; all three turn to face W.M.S.D. takes step and gives F.C. Sn.:
Worshipful Master, the stone is found.
W.M.: By whom?
S.D.: By the skilful Craftsman
who prepared it.
W.M.: Let me see it.
S.D. discharges F.C. Sn. and conducts Can.
directly to the front of W.M.'s pedestal; J.D. follows and stands on left
of Can.; S.D. prompts Can. to present K.S. to W.M., who takes it and examines
it; he checks that shape is identical with plan by picking up plan and
examining it; the stone should not be laid on the plan for this purpose.W.M.: It is indeed a very good
stone. W.M. replaces plan and puts K.S. on its
side on the left side of his pedestal. Brother Craftsman, I
congratulate you not only on the skill displayed in having prepared the
stone but also on your present good fortune in being the bearer of it uninjured
after it had been rejected by the Overseers. To mark my deep sense of your
merit and ability I shall now proceed to entrust you with the secrets of
the Mark Master Mason's Degree.
S.D. and Can. move clockwise to face North
and then move directly to the North side of W.M.'s pedestal, where they
halt about four paces away from it, facing South. J.D. takes K.S. from
W.M.'s pedestal and places it upright on the ground in front of M.O.'s
pedestal; he then returns directly to his station and sits.W.M., seated to Can.: You will
advance to me by four steps: first as an Entered Apprentice Can.
takes step, gives E.A. Sn. and discharges it; as a Fellow Craft
Can. takes step, gives F.C. Sn. and discharges
it; and as a Master Mason, giving the third sign of that degree
Can. takes step, gives third sign of M.M. and
discharges it. You will now take another short pace forward
with your left foot and bring your right hand into its h. as before. Can.
takes step and completes it. That is the fourth r.s. in Freemasonry
and it is in that position that the secrets of the Degree are communicated.
They consist of a pass-word given for you on your entrance into the Lodge;
a pass-grip by which you were raised after your Obligation; and signs,
a token and words peculiar to the Degree. But before further explanation,
it is my duty to call your attention to a portion of Holy Writ. W.M.
gavels once, not repeated by Wardens.Chap. rises and reads 2 Chron., chap. 2
vv. 11 to 16. Brn. remain seated."Then Huram the King of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent
to Solomon, because the Lord hath loved his people, he hath made thee king
over them.
Huram said moreover, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made
heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with
prudence and understanding, that might build a house for the Lord, and
a house for his kingdom.
And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of
Huram my father's.
The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a
man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron,
in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in
crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device
which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men
of my Lord David thy Father.
Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine,
which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon as much as thou shalt need:
and we will bring it to thee in flotes by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt
carry it up to Jerusalem."
Chap. resumes his seat.W.M., rises: The pass-grip is
given by engaging the bent fingers of a brother's right hand and inserting
the thumbs in the form of a cramp. W.M. gives
p.g. to Can. The pass-word is found in the last verse of the
passage of Scripture you have just heard read and is Joppa. Can.
repeats p.w.; W.M. and Can. disengage p.g. It is said to have
taken its rise either from the Degree having been established there by
Hiram Abiff before he went to Jerusalem, or from the timber for the Temple,
felled and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, being carried on floats by
sea to that place, where masonic tradition informs us that the shore was
so steep that it was impossible to ascend from the rafts without assistance
form above, which was rendered by persons stationed there for that purpose,
and with this strong grip W.M. gives p.g. to Can.
which is called a lewis W.M. and Can. disengage
p.g.. The Signs peculiar to this Degree are four in number.
W.M. sits and gavels once, not repeated
by Wardens: I now call your attention to a further portion of
Holy Writ or: I will now call attention
to a chant.
Brn. Will rise if they chant; otherwise
they remain seated. Chap. rises and reads - or all Brn. Rise and chant
- Rev., chap. 13, v. 9: If any man have an ear, let them hear.
Chap. sits, or all Brn. Sit.W.M. rises and takes step: The
first Sign is of a threefold character. The first part is called the Sign
Manual and is given thus, by extending the right hand with the first two
fingers extended, the other fingers and thumb closed.
W.M. demonstrates Sn. M., Can. copies. This is the mode in which
the ancient Mark Masters presented their hands at the Senior Warden's wicket
to receive their wages. Both drop Sn.
The Mark Man presented their hands at a different wicket and in the manner
in which you were instructed at a previous part of the Ceremony. A Mark
Man presenting his hand in that manner W.M. shews
Sn. M. of a Mark Man at a Mark Master's wicket was immediately
detected as an impostor, and the ancient punishment was that of having
his right hand struck off, which the Junior Warden stood ready to inflict.
W.M. drops Sn. M. of Mark man.The second part of the threefold Sign is called the Hailing Sign
and is given by elevating the right hand, still extending the two fingers
and placing them behind the right ear W.M. demonstrates;
Can. copies.The third part alludes to the ancient punishment and is given thus,
by dropping the right arm to the horizontal and striking the right wrist
with the edge of the left hand. W.M. demonstrates,
Can. copies. This alludes to the ancient punishment of having
the right ear struck off so that you would no longer be able to hear the
word; and the right hand struck off, so that you would no longer be able
to make your mark, give the grip or receive the wages of a Mark master
Mason, should you improperly disclose the secrets of the Degree.
This complete Sign W.M. demonstrates the
three parts of the Sn.; Can. copies should always be given when
entering or leaving the Lodge, or when addressing the Worshipful Master,
except during the Ceremony of Advancement up to this point, when the Fellow
Craft Sign is used.
W.M. sits and gavels once, not repeated
by Wardens.W.M.: I now call attention to
a further portion of Holy Writ or:
I will now call attention to a further chant.
Brn. Will rise if they chant; otherwise
they remain seated. Chap. rises and reads - or all Brn. Rise and chant
Psalm 118, v. 22:The stone which the builders refused is become the headstone of
the corner.
W.M. rises: The second or Heave-Over
Sign is given by interlacing the fingers, placing the hands on the right
hip and swaying them with three distinct motions across the body, on the
third as if heaving something over the left shoulder.
W.M. demonstrates, Can. copies. This is an allusion to the manner
in which unapproved materials for the building of King Solomon's Temple
were thrown aside as useless.
The third or Disconsolate Sign is given by resting the cheek in
the palm of the right hand, saying 'Alas, alas, my labour is lost'. W.M.
demonstrates, Can. copies. This took its rise when the skilful
craftsman witnessed the unworthy treatment and rejection of his work, the
Key Stone being ordered to be heaved over amongst the rubbish, at which
W.M. shews D. Sn. again he exclaimed
Alas, alas, my labour is lost. S.D. restrains
Can., who does not copy the D. Sn. or repeat the words.The fourth, or Sign of Thanksgiving is given by clasping the hands
in front of the body, elbows close to the sides. W.M.
demonstrates, Can. copies. This is the ancient mode of rendering
thanks to the Great Overseer of the Universe for favours received, and
refers to the Triangle W.M. drops Sn. and indicates
T. on Can.'s body and arms, the chest forming the base and the
arms the sides. W.M. prompts Can. to drop Sn.
It took its rise at the recovery of the Key Stone which, on being found
after concealment under the rubbish, was carried with much pomp and placed
in its proper position; when the skilful Craftsman, seeing his ingenuity
rewarded, and his work appreciated, clasped his hands W.M.
shews Sn. of T.; Can. copies in ecstasy of joy, exclaiming:
" Thanks be to God I have marked it well." Can.
repeats words; both drop Sn. of T.The Grip or Token is given by interlocking the little fingers of
the right hands and bringing the knuckles into apposition W.M. gives G.
to Can.. It alludes o the perfect adjustment of each portion of the works,
joint to joint W.M. points with his left hand
to knuckles of both right hands and with the thumbs erect W.M.
adjusts both thumbs to the Triangle W.M.
indicates T. with forefinger of l.h.: The Mark Master's mark
of approval, and with the thumbs deflected W.M.
adjusts thumbs to the want of a Key Stone to complete the arch.
Both disengage G.W.M. sits and gavels once, not repeated by Wardens.
W.M.: The Chaplain will now read a further portion of Holy Writ.
Chap. rises and reads Ezekiel, chap. 44, vv. 1, 2, 3, & 5. Brn.
Remain seated.
Chap.: "Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward
sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.
Then said the Lord unto me: This gate shall be shut, it shall not
be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord the God of
Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread
before the Lord; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and
shall go out by the way of the same.
And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with
thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning
all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof;
and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the
sanctuary."
Chap. sits.W.M. rises: The ancient word
is KEBRAOTH Can. repeats word alluding
to the people and signifying companions of the mark; but, in most Lodges
where the English language is spoken, the words 'mark well' are substituted.
W.M. and Can. engage G. with thumbs erect
Pass …, and mark well.
W.M. passes right hand of Can. to S.D.
and sits. S.D. conducts Can. via South to North side of S.W.'s pedestal;
J.D. rises and follows them; S.W. rises; S.D. places right hand of Can.
in left hand of S.W., and turns him to face East; S.D. and J.D. take position
alongside Can., S.D. nearest to him, both facing East.S.W. gives Sn. M. and then stands to order
with H. Sn.: Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother …,
on his advancement to the honourable Degree of Mark Master Mason for some
mark of your approval.
W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
I delegate you to invest our newly-advanced Brother with the badge and
jewel of a Mark Master Mason. But I will first call attention to a further
portion of Holy Writ or: But I will
first call attention to a further chant.
W.M. gavels once, not repeated by Wardens.
S.W. releases Can.'s right hand, gives third part of first sign and discharges
it; he sits, unless there is to be a chant. Brn. Rise if they chant; otherwise
they remain seated.Chap. rises and reads, or all Brn. Rise
and chant, Rev., chap. 2, v. 17:"To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,
and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name is written,
which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
Chap. sits, or all Brn. Sit.S.D. turns Can. to face South, and removes
working apron from him; J.D. removes working apron, puts on his collar
and picks up his wand; J.D. then relieves S.D. in attendance on Can.; S.D.
removes his working apron, puts on his collar and picks up his wand; S.D.
then resumes his place in attendance on Can.; at no time must Can. be left
unattended by a DeaconS.W.: Brother …, by the Worshipful
Master's command I invest you with the badge S.W.
puts Mark apron on Can. and the distinguishing Jewel of a M.M.M.
S.W. pins jewel on Can.s' left breast to mark the further progress
you have made in the science.
S.W. sits; S.D. turns Can. to face East;
Deacons take their places on either side of Can., also facing East.W.M.: I must add to the observations
of my Brother Senior Warden that the badge with which you have been invested
not only points out your rank as a Mark Master Mason, but is also meant
to remind you that as you mark well or ill so your words and actions will
be observed and recorded by the Great Overseer of the Universe, to whom
you must give an account of your conduct through life, and whose reward
is with Him to give to every manaccording as his work shall be.
The jewel with which you have been invested S.D.
shews his own jewel to Can. and indicated as necessary is a
model of the stone which the builders rejected, the Key Stone of the sacred
arch of King Solomon's Temple.
It bears on the reverse the English letters H.T.W.S.S.T.K.S., which
are synonyms of the Hebrew characters on the obverse, and are read thus:
Hiram The Widow's Son Sent To King Solomon; and may you be as distinguished
among your fellows as was Hiram, the Widow's Son, amongst his. In the centre
of the jewel on the obverse you may have your mark engarved, and that mark
you may use aster your signature in the Lodge Book, or whenever in correspondence
with a Brother Mark Master Mason.
S.D. conducts Can. directly via the North
to the front of W.M.'s pedestal; J.D. returns to his station and sits.W.M., seated: I now present
you the Working Tools of a Mark Master Mason, which are the Mallet and
Chisel, on which also you were admitted to this Degree. With their symbolic
uses in other degrees you are familiar. In this Degree they are employed
to indent the Triangle, the Mark Master's mark of approval of the work,
as being fitted for its place in the intended structure. But as we are
not all operative but free and accepted, or speculative Masons, we are
by these tools again reminded of the moral advantages of discipline and
education, and are led to entertain a firm but humble hope that, by the
correction of irregularities and the subjugation of our passions, we may
hereafter be found worthy to receive the approving of the Great Overseer
of the Universe, as fitted to form part of that spiritual adifice, 'that
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens'.
As in the course of the evening you have been, or will be, called
upon for certain fees of your advancement, it is but right that you should
know by what authority we act.
W.M. rises and displays Warrant handed
to him by I.P.M.: This is our Warrant from the Grand Lodge of
Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas;
it is open for your inspection at this meeting or at any other meeting
of the Lodge. W.M. hands Warrant back to I.P.M.
and sits. These are the Constitutions and Regulations of the
Order, and these are the By-Laws of this Lodge, both of which I recommend
to your serious perusal; by the one W.M. hands
Constitution to Can. you will learn the duties you owe to Mark
Masonry in general; by the other W.M. hands By-Laws
to Can. those you owe to this Lodge in particular.
S.D. and Can. move back two or three paces.
W.M.: In conclusion, allow me to congratulate you on being advanced
to this honourable Degree in Freemasonry, and let me remind you that your
assiduity should commensurate with your progress. Be careful that, while
in discharge of the duties of your station, you will continue to act in
conformity with the sublime precepts of the Order: do justice, love mercy,
practise charity, maintain harmony, and endeavour to live in unity and
brotherly love. Should other friends forsake you, should the envious traduce
your good name, or the malicious presecute you, should dangers, doubts
or difficulties assail you, should force attempt to drive or temptation
entice you from the right path, among Mark Master Masons you will ever
find friends, who will administer relief to your distress and comfort in
your affliction; whilst as a consolation under all the frowns of fortune
and as an encouragement to hope for brighter propsects, you will bear in
mind that the stone which the builders rejected, possessing merits to them
unknown, ultimately became the headstone of the building.
You are now at liberty to take your seat in a Mark Master Mason's
Lodge, and on some future occasion your attention will be directed to a
lecture expounding the histiry of the Degree and explaining the origins
of our Ceremony and Signs.
S.D. and Can. move forward to the pedestal.
W.M. offers a welcome to Can.; S.D. conducts Can. to a seat in the South-East;
S.D. then returns to his station and sits.

Form of closing a Lodge of Mark Master Masons

W.M., seated, gavels once, repeated by Wardens;
he rises: I rise to inquire for the first time whether any Brother
has aught to propose for the good of Mark Masonry in general or this Lodge
in particular. W.M. sits.W.M., as before: I rise to inquire
for the second time …
W.M., as before: I rise to inquire
for the third and fourth times …
S.D. collects working plans from W.M. and
Overseers and deposits them on S.W.'s pedestal.W.M., seated, gavels once, repeated by
Wardens: Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge.
All rise.W.M.: Brother Junior Warden,
what is the constant care of every Mark Master Mason?
J.W. gives Sn. M. and stands to order with
H. Sn.: To prove the Lodge close tyled.
W.M.: direct that duty to be done.
J.W. gives third party of first sign and
discharges it: Brother Inner Guard, prove the Lodge close tyled.
I.G. goes to door and knocks * * **; Tyler
replies * * **; I.G. returns to his station, gives Sn. M. and then stands
to order with H. Sn.: Brother Junior Warden, the Lodge is close
tyled. Gives third part of first sign and discharges
it.J.W. gavels * * **, gives Sn. M. and then
stands to order with H. Sn.: Worshipful Master, the Lodge is
close tyled.
W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
what is our next care?
S.W. gives Sn. M. and then stands to order
with H. Sn.: To see that the Brethren appear to order as Mark
Master Masons. Gives third part of first sign
and discharges it.W.M.: To order, Brethren, as
Mark Master masons.
All give Sn. M. and stand to order with
H. Sn.W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
where is your constant place in the Lodge?
S.W.: In the West
W.M.: Why are you placed there?
S.W.: As the sun sets in the
West to close the day, so is the Senior Warden placed in the West to close
the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, after having seen the wages
distributed and the working plans deposited in a place of safety.
W.M.: Have the working plans
been so deposited, the dues all rendered and the wages paid?
S.W.: They have, Worshipful
Master, to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Chaplain or W.M.: Before the
Lodge is closed, let us with all reverence and humility express our gratitude
to the Great Overseer of the Universe for favours already received and,
as the stone rejected by the builders, possessing merits to them unknown,
became the head of the corner, so may we by patient continuance in well-doing
be built up as living stones into a spiritual house, meet for His habitation.
Omnes: So mote it be.
W.M.: Brother Senior Warden,
our labours being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge.
Gavels with left hand * * **.S.W.: In the name of Adoniram,
and by command of the Worshipful Master, I close the Lodge.
All give third part of first sign and discharge it; S.W. gavels * * **.J.W.: And it is closed accordingly
until the next regular meeting, emergencies excepted, of which due notice
will be given. Gavels * * **.I.G. goes to door and knocks * * **; Tyler
replies * * **; I.G, remains at door; J.D. adjusts Tracing Board; P.M.
goes to front of pedestal, removes Mallet and Chisel, closes V.S.L., places
Mallet and Chisel thereon and returns to his place.P.M.: Nothing now remains but,
according to ancient custom, to lock up our secrets in the safe repository
of our hearts, uniting in the act of Fidelity, Fidelity, Fidelity
Fidelity.
All place right hand on heart four times
to the rhythm of the knocks of the Degree.A closing hymn may now be sung.